Scotland: Lairds spot a growth area

Earlier this year, the actor and comedian Billy Connolly found himself once more the centre of media attention for his role as a “Highland laird”. Connolly, whose “estate” extends to all of 12 acres, was discovered to have been buying up properties around his home at Candacraig in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire.

The tones in which this news was delivered suggested — “land grab” was one phrase used — that Connolly was forcing cowering crofters to sell at swordpoint and had embarked upon a second Highland Clearances. In truth, he had simply bought property adjacent to his home which had once formed part of the original Candacraig policies. They were on the open market, he paid handsomely and nobody complained.

But was Connolly simply following a modern trend? The huge growth in disposable incomes and a natural desire for privacy has persuaded an increasing number of landowners of the benefits of consolidating property? Certainly